In today’s rapidly changing world, pastoral leaders face unprecedented challenges that require both spiritual wisdom and practical expertise. Olivet Nazarene University’s School of Theology and Christian Ministry offers comprehensive graduate ministry degrees, including the Master of Arts in Pastoral Leadership, designed to equip pastors with the training needed to lead in modern ministry contexts.
The School’s mission centers on educating, equipping and resourcing the Church and her leaders to bear faithful witness to the Kingdom of God through ministry and theological reflection. This commitment extends through every graduate program, providing pastors with academically rigorous yet practically applicable education at an affordable price, with substantial discounts available for pastoral and ministry leaders.
Practical Degrees for Specific Ministry Contexts
Olivet offers four master of arts degrees focused on practical ministry applications. Each of these ministry graduate degrees is available fully online, designed to accommodate busy pastors and ministry professionals. The master of arts in pastoral leadership develops comprehensive leadership skills for contemporary church settings. For pastors called to church planting and multiplication, the master of arts in missional multiplication provides strategic frameworks for expanding Kingdom impact. The master of arts in urban ministry addresses the unique challenges of city-based congregations, while the master of arts in family ministry equips leaders to strengthen families within their communities.
Preparatory Degrees for Theological Depth
For pastors seeking comprehensive theological education, Olivet provides several preparatory degree options. The master of arts in ministerial studies, master of arts in Christian ministry, and Master of Arts in Religion offer robust theological, biblical, and practical foundations. Spanish-speaking ministry leaders can pursue the master of ministry in Spanish, while those interested in organizational leadership can explore the doctor of education in ethical leadership.
Additionally, pastors can pair many programs with a master of divinity degree, earning two graduate degrees through their Olivet studies — a unique opportunity for comprehensive ministerial preparation.
The Business Case for Ministry Leadership
The evolving landscape of church leadership increasingly requires business acumen alongside theological training. As John Roland, MDiv, MBA, argues in his LinkedIn article “5 Vital Reasons Ministers/Clergy Should Pursue an MBA Instead of DMin,” modern pastors benefit from understanding organizational management, finance and strategic planning. Roland notes that “with budgets, buildings, capital campaigns, church plants, marketing of the church, MBA will be far more practical than taking additional theology courses.”
This perspective aligns with Olivet’s practical degree offerings, which integrate leadership principles with ministry contexts. It also provides a great argument for pastors and church leaders to consider an MBA or MOL from Olivet.
“I can’t imagine a better way for a church or ministry to equip their senior leadership than by providing business training that recognizes sound church ministry practices through our solid, award-winning MBA,” said Dr. Mark Reddy, Vice president for Enrollment.
In 2024, Olivet’s online accelerated MBA was named among the Top 10 in the nation by Forbes.
Transformative Impact on Ministry
The real-world impact of these programs resonates through alumni testimonies. Pastor Phillip Modlin of Amplify Church in Willow Springs, North Carolina, shares: “This program and the investment of a relationship with professors has helped me survive and even grow during a very challenging season as Lead Pastor. The Lord knew, after 22 years in ministry, that I need to reinvest for a new season. Missional Multiplication, here at ONU, has been so enriching.”
Dylan Robinson
“I had enrolled two other times at other graduate schools, but the timing just wasn’t right for me,” says Pastor Dylan Robinson, lead pastor and co-founder of The Well Church in Missouri. “While I was at a conference, I asked God to give me a connection for pursuing my master’s degree. I met Dr. Jeff Stark at the ONU booth and called him the next week. He became my trusted source and gave me the peace I needed to start the Master of Arts in Missional Multiplication degree program at ONU.”
Guided by six core values, Olivet’s graduate programs provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to biblical studies, theological reflection and ministry preparation. Whether pursuing theological depth or practical leadership skills, pastors find programs tailored to the complex demands of contemporary ministry. As Roland emphasizes, today’s ministers need education that “diversifies one’s education” and prepares them for potential bivocational ministry — a reality Olivet’s programs acknowledge through their blend of spiritual formation and practical application.
For pastors ready to deepen their calling and expand their impact, Olivet Nazarene University offers the academic excellence and spiritual formation needed for effective 21st-century ministry leadership.
For more information on the Graduate and Continuing Studies programs at Olivet Nazarene University, visit Olivet.edu/graduate-programs.
